Filicudi

The naturalistic places

Wild, rugged, basic, the least publicized of the Aeolian islands is the island for those who love the sea, promenades and deep silence. In the ancient past it was called Phenicusa for the luxuriant vegetation of ferns and palms, it was inhabited since the third millennium BC, as proved by the prehistoric sites dating from the Bronze Age of Piana del Posto and Capo Graziano, where archaeological excavations have brought to light oval huts, indigenous production of pottery and fragments of Mycenaean and Cycladic pottery visible today at the Museum of Filicudi. The slopes and the slopes of the island are in large part steep and rocky. The coasts of Filicudi have uncommon beauty. There are slopes formed by terraces covered with forests of juniper till down to the sea. Here and there you can admire deep caves such as the Bue Marino, which takes its name from the Monk Seal (the last one was sighted on the island in 1935) and magnificent cliffs as la Canna 71 meters above sea level high with on the top a statue of Our Lady of Magugnaga). Its many faces has fascinated sailors of all time. On the reef live the black lizard and several colonies of hawks. Often around the island you may spot dolphins and on the seabed were once caught red coral and sponges.

Filicudi

Where nature is protected

What is the most effective way to protect nature, to preserve it as intact and uncontaminated as possible? No doubt to protect it. Well, 70% of the territory of the island of Filicudi and protected by environmental laws that have allowed the establishment of a Reserve exclusively destinated to the development of nature in all its forms. In a Reserve are "untouchables" not only animals, Eleonora's falcon, buzzard, Aeolian Black Lizard (Podarcis raffonei, now seriously threatened), but also the plants (trees, flowers, and so on..), minerals, the sea and the air. In addition, the entire archipelago of the Aeolian Islands was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000.

Trekking paths:

Inside the Riserva Naturale Orientata (natural reserve), where spring comes early with an explosion of flowers and colors, starting from the Hotel La Canna, which will provide you with a nice map of the island, you can reach:

Monte Fossa Felci (773 m) is the youngest volcano on the island. Tiring in July and August because it is too hot (3.30 hours round trip). On the way you can admire beautiful landscapes, typical Mediterranean flora and wildlife.

Zucco Grande, a village abandoned after the war on the top of a plateau. It offers great views and the chance to reach the only source of water on the island. Easy (2 hours round trip).

Ficarrisi, panoramic point with its small houses in ruins overlooking the sea. There is a splendid view of the rock Giafante, Monte Nassari, of the stack la Canna and of the district Siccagne.

It is one of the more pleasant walks in all seasons. (4.30 hours round trip).

Montagnola, one of the volcanoes of the island, offers a splendid view of all the lands to the west. From the top if you are lucky you will see a thundering stone with a Greek inscription, (3 hours round trip). The path is not always accessible till to the top. For the journey back you can follow a path that quickly leads down to Pecorini.

Stimpagnato, one of the most scenic places of the island where you can watch the stack la Canna and the sunset, behind the island of Alicudi (2 hours round trip).

Suggested excursions

Alicudi, Salina, Lipari e Vulcano, every day you can reach them by hydrofoil (starting in the morning and returning in the afternoon). There are no direct links with the islands of Panarea and Stromboli. The hotel can arrange boat charters in July and August.

Tour of the Island by Boat, book a trip to the hotel with tour tour during about three hours, which includes the departure from the port or from Pecorini, with a stop at the cliff la Canna and to the Grotta del Bue Marino. We recommend you to ask young boatmen to stop for a swim in the crystal clear waters to the west of the island.

Checkthismovie :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZXzC7T7kA8

Sites of Tourist Interest

Prehistoric village of Capo Graziano, first age of the bronze: culture of Capo Graziano (about 1800-1400 BC). The indigenous population of that time chose to set on a promontory that provided a natural defense from pirate raids. Today you can admire the remains of about 30 oval huts unearthed in the excavations that have occurred since the 60's.

Archaeological Museum Bernabo 'Brea, in 2004 was founded a branch seat of the museum of Lipari with archaeological and anthropological finds from the island. It is situated on the promenade of the Port. It is open to the public in summer.

Underwater museum of Capo Graziano, since August 2008, the Superintendent of the Sea of Sicily has developed an itinerary accessible for divers with at least the second level patent at a depth of 45 meters to see the wreck * A *of Roman ages (II century BC). It is one of the nine ships sunk over the centuries on the bank. The dive guide is compulsory. Nino of the local diving The Dolphins have collaborated on carrying out.

Le Macine, after visiting the prehistoric village if you want to go for a swim, you can choose to continue to the right on to the flat path with the wooden handrail (restored with funding from the Communities' Union) that will bring you back in time. Down the path you can see 15 hand-carved mills in the only lava stone quarry on the island. Very carefully you can dive into the sea from the cliff for an unforgettable swim.

Beaches

All of pebbles beaches and volcanic cliffs can be reached on foot. The most beautiful of all is the spiaggia delle Punte where you can enjoy the sun until sunset. During the summer it is equipped with deck chairs and umbrellas, is a 20 minute walk from the hotel. The bay of Porto is recommended for those who want to take advantage of the morning arrival of the first hydrofoil to buy the newspaper. The more distant beach is that of Pecorini 40 minutes far, from there you can also choose to rent a boat with which you will reach the more secluded coves.

Diving

The depths of the sea of the island are full of yellow and white gorgonians, tube worms, colonies of cowries and parazoantos, not to mention the fish (grouper, redfish, sea bream, snapper, bream, lobster and shrimp). A recommended guide is Ennio of the Apogon Diving Center of Filicudi.

Traditional festivals

Easter: During the Holy Week are proposed two processions commemorating and recalling the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ with the flight of doves hidden under the cloak of the Madonna.

Saint Stephan: 3rd August, feast with a procession commemorating the patron saint and martyr of the island, accompanied by the band of Lipari and magnificent fireworks at midnight.

Filicudi among myths and legends: in the past this festival took place in August, it has now been moved to September. The first edition dates back to 1990, there was a concert inside the Grotta del Bue Marino in collaboration with Vincenzo Anastasi and Stefano Rando.